- Other Entry
- SURNAME
Bentley
- FORENAME
Thomas Cyril
- UNIT
10 Bn
- RANK
Sergeant
- NUMBER
6400234
- AWARD
Distinguished Conduct Medal, Mention in Despatches (x2)
- PLACE
Middle East 1942-43 (MiD) Arnhem 1944 (DCM, MiD)
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
1971 awarded MBE
CITATION:
Distinguished Conduct Medal : At OOSTERBEEK on 20 Sept. 44 Sgt. BENTLEY, who had already shown, conspicuous bravery in much hard fighting since he dropped on 18 Sept, was in charge of a detachment of mortars, using the top floor of a house as O.P. in the hard pressed North Eastern corner of the Div perimeter. The position was held by remnants of the an, about 50 strong, constantly under fire and frequently heavily attacked. From his O.P. he not only directed telling fire on the enemy, but secured information vital to the defence, which he was obliged to take back in person to his C.O. under fire from close range on each occasion. When the side of his house was blown in by a S.P. gun at point blank range he fell from top floor to basement, but crawled out and carried on from another. He was located and shot out again more than once that day, but set a magnificent example of determination to carry on, and during the afternoon was responsible for the discovery and repulse of a dangerous infiltrating movement from an unexpected quarter. Soon after another attack overran the HQ house: the C.O. was wounded, and the few men there captured. The mortars were lost. That night Sgt. ENTLEY led a patrol into the enemy occupied area and brought, the mortars out, operating them from then on, often under heavy fire, under the personal direction of the Brigadier, for whom they were the last two 3 in mortars in the Bde.
It is difficult to praise too highly this NCOs courage, coolness, endurance and competence, not to overestimate his contribution, both material and moral, in a difficult operation.
Member of the Order of the British Empire : WO II Bentley has carried out the duties of the Long Service Recruiter of the Army Careers Information Office Nottingham for the past 10½ years.
Throughout that period he has maintained consistently high standards, as one would expect of a Warrant Officer of The Parachute Regiment and the holder of the Distinguished Conduct Medal. However, he is never satisfied with these standards and works long hours, and is untiring in his efforts to promote the interest of the Army. He involves himself in out of duty hours with support to the Army Cadet Force and the Scout Movement, providing assistance to both these organisations.
He is a tower of strength to the Nottingham Branch of The Parachute Regimental Association having bean a founder member and it is mainly due to his efforts that such a live active Branch exists.
Nothing is too small or too large for him to undertake if he considers that it furthers recruiting his enthusiasm is unbounded.
Admired and respected by superiors and subordinates alike he is a wise counsellor and friend to the younger NOOs who comprise the bulk of the staff of the ACIO, and is a constant inspiration to them.
These qualities and devotion to duty merit special recognition.
Place : NOTTINGHAM
Date of Action : 24th August 1960 to date
How Employed : Long Serviced Recruiters, ACIO NOTTINGHAM
It is difficult to praise too highly this NCOs courage, coolness, endurance and competence, not to overestimate his contribution, both material and moral, in a difficult operation.
Member of the Order of the British Empire : WO II Bentley has carried out the duties of the Long Service Recruiter of the Army Careers Information Office Nottingham for the past 10½ years.
Throughout that period he has maintained consistently high standards, as one would expect of a Warrant Officer of The Parachute Regiment and the holder of the Distinguished Conduct Medal. However, he is never satisfied with these standards and works long hours, and is untiring in his efforts to promote the interest of the Army. He involves himself in out of duty hours with support to the Army Cadet Force and the Scout Movement, providing assistance to both these organisations.
He is a tower of strength to the Nottingham Branch of The Parachute Regimental Association having bean a founder member and it is mainly due to his efforts that such a live active Branch exists.
Nothing is too small or too large for him to undertake if he considers that it furthers recruiting his enthusiasm is unbounded.
Admired and respected by superiors and subordinates alike he is a wise counsellor and friend to the younger NOOs who comprise the bulk of the staff of the ACIO, and is a constant inspiration to them.
These qualities and devotion to duty merit special recognition.
Place : NOTTINGHAM
Date of Action : 24th August 1960 to date
How Employed : Long Serviced Recruiters, ACIO NOTTINGHAM
WEB LINKS:
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/45384/supplement/5962https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C9283305 (DCM)
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7632138 (MBE)
NATIONAL ARCHIVES:
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C9283305 (DCM)https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7632138 (MBE)
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